South Shore Playground parking area to 5 Points Junction Figure 8

Out     Playground parking area > Tasajilla Flats > Horny Toad > Nature Loop > Lanky Lackey > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett park > Burkett Trail > East Potts Creek > Armadillo > Playground > Bells Point > Playground (N) > Flintstone > 5 Points Junction        6.8 miles

Return 5 Points Junction > Turkey Creek > Armadillo (W) > West Potts Creek > Rollercoaster > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Playground parking area    7.0 miles

Temps in the 80's, mostly sunny, light wind and humid.

Long hike today along dry trails that are in need of trimming.  For the past two years, San Angelo has had above average rain.  This, coupled with the park's mesquite eradication program and last year's controlled fires, have caused the vegetation to grow rapidly.  There have been efforts by park personnel to mow but the vegetation is winning the battle.  If you hike, be aware of the possibility of snakes in the underbrush. 

On the majority of my hikes I encounter a snake, mostly rattlers but not always.  Today I saw a Sonoran Gopher Snake (photo attached) who wanted me to believe he was a rattler by rearing up and acting aggressive - problem with the act, he was about 12-18 inches long.  Nonetheless, I gave him a wide berth and all was well.

Lots of grasshoppers out today and there are still a few patches of Bee Brush blooming and scenting the air - a long but pleasant hike.

NOTES

Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground parking area.

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett park.

Water and shade available at Bell's Point -on Playground trail near the North end.

Water, shade and info kiosk available at 5 Points Junction.